The Cincinnati Bengals’ pass-rushing lineup took a hit as Joseph Ossai agreed to a three-year, $36 million contract with the New York Jets on Monday, including $22.5 million guaranteed, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This move opens up a significant gap in Cincinnati’s defense going into the new season.
Ossai, drafted in the third round of 2021, had his best season recently with 45 quarterback pressures, 43 tackles, five sacks, and nine tackles for loss over 616 career-high snaps. Pro Football Focus rated him with a 64 overall grade for the 2025 season, marking solid production from the young edge rusher.
After spending five seasons in Cincinnati, Ossai’s departure means the Bengals must look to free agency and the draft to fill the void he leaves in their defensive front.
Evaluating Cincinnati’s Draft Depth Amid Defensive Needs
The Bengals have been actively seeking defensive starters to strengthen their team. Duke Tobin, Bengals director of player personnel, recently commented on the depth of defensive linemen available in this year’s NFL draft class. He highlighted a strong pool of nearly 400 ranked players considered draftable, which he described as heavier than usual.
“There are enough players to satisfy our picks in all of those rounds with extras, which is good. We’re going to get one of them that way. Some years, we’ve gotta keep forcing guys up the board. This year, we’re probably going to force some guys down the board a little bit. But I do think there’s depth.”
– Duke Tobin, Bengals Director of Player Personnel
Ossai’s selection in the third round is now viewed as a positive for Cincinnati, as he produced the third-highest Pro Football Reference Approximate Value among 2021 draftees, trailing only Ja’Marr Chase and Evan McPherson.
Urgent Pass-Rush Needs Loom for Bengals After Key Departures
With Ossai heading to New York and fellow edge rusher Trey Hendrickson signing elsewhere in free agency, the Bengals face a critical need to reinforce their pass-rushing corps. Cincinnati currently has Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy on the roster, but adding at least one or two more defensive ends capable of pressuring opposing quarterbacks is an urgent priority as their defense has been among the league’s weakest in recent years.
The Bengals must address this gap either through free agency or the upcoming draft. The arrival of new players who can make an impact will be vital for the team’s success on defense moving forward.
The Road Ahead for Cincinnati’s Defensive Strategy
Cincinnati’s defense will be closely watched during the offseason to see how it adapts to losing key pass rushers like Ossai and Hendrickson. Strengthening this area is critical for the Bengals to improve their defensive rankings and competitiveness in the NFL. Their approach through draft decisions and strategic signings will shape the team’s defensive identity in the coming years.
